‘Networked Literacy: The New Path to Knowledge’

This reading shows the difference in technologies between the a book and the internet (in a nutshell). The introduction ultimately shows the limitations of a book, having to go to the library, get the librarian to help you find a book or a few books on a certain topic, borrow the books, etc. The point specifically about a student, I think that books still have a place in the education system personally, I believe they can be more trust worthy in a sense because their content has been through a lot of hurdles to get to the stage of a book which gives it at lease some validity. The point made in favour of the internet can also be its downfall, its easier to publish something online, can this be considered a negative as well?

I think the main argument for internet over books as a source of information is the convenience factor. It is more convenient to look up on the internet about something because its only a few buttons away on your computer or phone and you don’t have to, god forbid, head out into town and potentially speak and be social! Unfortunately in this day and age it is the preferred option.

One problem I problem I have in regards to the discussion about links on the internet is the general outcome of the general public, it can/will lead you astray. Don’t tell me you’ve never gotten onto youtube, started with an educational purpose and found your way through the links, to end up watching voices overdubbed on cat videos . . . or is that just me. The point is that there are no cat videos in books!

Both have advantages and disadvantages but I do still find myself a bit sceptical of the internet.